THIS IS THE SON OF THE REVEREND ROBERT BRACEWELL. SON WILLIAM IS NOT NAMED AS HE DIED IN CHOWAN COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA BEFORE OCTOBER 1721. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE GRAND-DAUGHTER, SUSANNAH, IS THE DAUGHTER OF WILLIAM.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. This being the last Will & Testament of RICHARD BRASWELL being Sick & Weak but in perfect Mind & Memory thanks be to God for it. FIRST I Give and Bequeath my Soul to Almighty God hoping to find Mercy. I Give my Body to the Earth therein to be Buried after a decent Christian manner and all my Worldly Goods as followeth after my Debts being paid.
1st. I Give unto my well beloved Son Richard Brasewell one shilling and no more.
2dly I Give unto my Son Robert Brasewell Ten Shillings worth of my Estate and no more at present.
3dly I give unto my Son Valentine Braswell Ten Shillings and no more at present.
4thly I Give unto my Son Jacob Ten Shillinggs worth and no more at present.
5thly I Give unto my Son John Braswell Ten Shillings worth and no more at present.
6thly I Give unto my Daughter Martha Murfy Ten Shillings worth and no more at present. (note: She married first William Browne, who died in NC by 1720)
7thly I Give unto my Daughter Ann Strickland Ten Shillings worth and no more at present. (note: wife of Matthew Strickland, Jr. of IOWC)
8thly I Give to my Daughter Jane Williams Ten Shillings worth and no more at present. (wife of Samuel Williams, Jr., who died in Edgecombe Co, circa 1749)
9thly I Give to my Grandaughter Susanah Braswell one Cow and Calf.
10thly & LASTLY I Give unto my loving Wife Sarah Braswell all the rest of my Estate to her and to her disposing appointing her my whole & sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament whereof I do hereunto set my Hand & Seal this 28 day of July 1724.
Richard (mark) Braswell (seal)
SIGNED SEALED & DELIVERED in psence of us
Edwd Powers senr Edw powers
Examd & truly Recorded
Teste. Jas. Ingles ClCur.
Isle of Wight County Record #2, THE GREAT BOOK, PAGE 174
From the collection of Carey Bracewell